Prominent Singer Wayne Osmond Passes Away at 73: Notable Figure from the Osmond Vocal Ensemble
Wayne Osmond, a founding member of the renowned Osmonds vocal group, bid farewell at the age of 73. This information was shared by his brother Donny Osmond on Instagram, stating, "My dear brother Wayne passed away peacefully last night due to a stroke. I was fortunate enough to visit him in the hospital before he departed." He further added, "Wayne was a source of light, laughter, and love, lighting up the lives of everyone he encountered, especially mine. Known for his endless optimism, he was adored by all."
Donny continued, expressing gratitude for being blessed with Wayne as a sibling, even in this worldly existence. "By the grace and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will meet again in eternity," he said.
Born on August 28, 1951, in Ogden, Utah, Wayne was the fourth eldest of the Osmond siblings and was a founding member of The Osmonds singing group, which also included Alan, Merrill, and Jay Osmond. Donny later joined the group, leading them to significant fame in the 1970s.
The brothers began their musical journey as a barbershop quartet in 1958 and were discovered at a performance in Disneyland, taking them to NBC's musical variety show, The Andy Williams Show. They also acted together in the 1963-64 primetime ABC western, The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters, where Wayne played the character of young Leviticus Kissel.
Wayne and his brothers were frequent guests on the ABC primetime variety show, Donny & Marie, hosted by Donny and Marie Osmond, and later titled The Osmond Family Show. In the 1980s, they returned as a country act and had several hits, including "I Think About Your Lovin'". However, in the mid-1990s, Wayne was diagnosed with a brain tumor, causing him to lose much of his hearing. A stroke in 2012 further impacted his health, leaving him unable to play the guitar.
Wayne Osmond was married to Kathlyn White in 1974 and the couple had five children. His daughter, Amy, expressed her feelings on Facebook, saying, "I’m finding it challenging to articulate the magnitude of sadness I feel, knowing I won’t have my ‘twin’ around for a while. Yet, I am grateful for the time spent with him, the cherished memories, his strength, loyalty toward our family, his exceptional talent, and most importantly, his love. I eagerly look forward to reuniting with him on the other side. I love you, Dad."
Donny Osmond shared on Instagram that his brother Wayne, also a member of The Osmonds, passed away following a stroke. Kurt Russell, a close friend of the family, extended his condolences, expressing his admiration for Wayne's optimism and impact on everyone around him.
